The Teaching Council is the statutory body that sets and upholds the standards for entry to the profession. One of the ways it does this is by reviewing and accrediting programmes of teacher education and training provided by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the State.
 
The Council's professional accreditation function is distinct from the process of academic accreditation which programmes already undergo. Academic accreditation is based on the suitability of a programme for the award of a degree/diploma; whereas professional accreditation is a judgement as to whether a programme prepares one for entry into that profession.

All teacher education programmes in Ireland that lead to registration must have professional accreditation. Existing programmes in Ireland that are recognised for registration purposes are deemed to have current accreditation, pending their review by the Teaching Council. All new teacher education programmes wishing to be recognised for registration purposes must be presented to the Council for review prior to accreditation.

 

In 2009, the Council began reviewing programmes. Four reviews were completed in the 2009/2010 academic year. A further four programmes were reviewed in 2010/2011.  All review reports have been published on this website.

 

 

The Council has published criteria and guidelines for HEIs providing programmes of initial teacher education - Initial Teacher Education: Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providers. The Criteria and Guidelines enable HEIs to ensure that their programmes meet the Council's accreditation requirements. When submitting programmes for professional accreditation HEIs should complete the Pro Forma which is available to download below.

 

 

Click here to download the Pro Forma for the submission of existing programmes for review and accreditation